Fury in UK town as green belt earmarked for 403-home estate - 'RIP wildlife'
Fury in UK town as green belt earmarked for 403-home estate - 'RIP wildlife' The plans include developing land, which is currently used for horse grazing, into 403 properties. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Toby Codd , Hannah Richardson 21:56, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Updated: 22:03, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 The homes will be built on land currently used to graze horses. (Image: Getty) Residents have hit out after plans show over 400 new comes could be built on green belt land in their town. The proposals include developing nearly 43 hectares of land, which is currently used for horse grazing, into 403 properties consisting of houses, bungalows and flats. However, locals insist the scheme "should not go ahead" and are calling on the developers to reconsider the plans. The planning application was submitted by Wain Homes and includes building on farmland at the edge of Unsworth in Bury. The development covers fields located between Castle Road and Griffe Lane, just off the M66. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT As reported by the Manchester Evening News , the developer said the land forms part of the Northern Gateway area which has been allocated for housing and industrial development through the Places for Everyone plan. The allocation has seen large amounts of countryside removed from the green belt in order for building work to go ahead. The proposal, which has been submitted to Bury Council, is split into two parts. Full planning permission is being sought for 283 of the properties which will occupy around three-quarters of the site, while the developer is also seeking outline permission for the remaining 120 homes. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . This means the full details of the proposal will be submitted and judged at a later date. Documents show around 100 of the proposed properties would be classed as "affordable", split between "affordable" rent and homes to buy at discounted rates. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The proposals include developing nearly 43 hectares of land. (Image: Wain Homes) Horror as British Airways flight has ‘near miss’ with ‘UFO’ at 5,800 feet Urgent 'do not eat' warnings issued for supermarket ready meals and snacks Plans "should not go ahead" Bury locals have reacted to the plan on social media. They have taken to Facebook to express their fury, including one person who called for the scheme to be scrapped altogether. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Harvie Gemmell wrote: "This scheme should NOT go ahead - save Bury!!!!!!" David Ives replied: "Don't vote Labour, it really is that simple." The Labour Party holds a majority of 51 seats on Bury Council. The Party mainted control after the May 2026 local elections, with Eamonn O'Brien leading the council. Ted Holden wrote: "Now they build on the green fields, later the same politicians will be crying out for green fields to relax in." Karl Spence put: "Rest in peace wildlife." Victoria Hughes said: "And they wonder why weather is changing air quality is bad we need trees green spaces this council this government are ridiculous they need getting rid of." Labour Party Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments